In case you missed the first part of my mock draft you can check it out here.
15. Detroit Pistons- B.J. Mullens, C, Ohio State
The Pistons could lose Rasheed Wallace, Antonio McDyess, and Kwame Brown in the off season so a froncourt player is needed. With the Piston looking toward the future they can take a chance on Mullens who will take time to develop.
Blair would give the Bulls some much needed toughness
16. Chicago Bulls- DeJuan Blair, PF, Pittsburgh
There is talk the Bulls have promised to take Mullens here but if he is off the board the next best big available is DeJuan Blair. Blair would add some much needed toughness and despite his size (6’6) his 7’2 wingspan makes up for it.
17. Philadelphia 76ers- Eric Maynor, PG, VCU
Andre Miller is set to become a free agent this summer so addressing the point guard position is a necessity. Maynor despite playing at VCU got plenty of media attention thanks to his NCAA tournament performances and can step in and play right away.
18. Minnesota Timberwolves- Earl Clark, F, Louisville
After selecting a point guard earlier in the draft the Timberwolves can addres other positions. With no centers worthy of this pick the Wolves go with the best plyaer available in Earl Clark. Clark is a combo forward who if he puts it all together can be special in this league.
19. Atlanta Hawks- Jeff Teague, PG, Wake Forest
The Hawks have been searching for a point guard for years. To passing over Chris Paul to selecting Acie Law the Hawks have had bad luck. With Mike Bibby set to become a free agent they will try their luck again. Teague struggled late in the season but if returns to his early season form this pick could be a steal.
The UNC star ends up in Utah
20. Utah Jazz- Tyler Hansbrough, PF, North Carolina
The Jazz will likely lose either Carlos Boozer or Paul Milsap in the off season and they might lose both creating a huge need at power forward. Hansbrough measured taller than expected at the combine which helped erase some doubts about this potential in the league.
21. New Orleans Hornets- Marcus Thorton, SG, LSU
The Hornets could use this pick in a number of ways. They could use a backup oint guard for Chris Paul or a shooting guard after James Posey and Morris Peterson struggled last season. Thorton is a local player and had a good workout with the Hornets. There is also the possibility the Hornets could sell this pick for cash.
22. Dallas Mavericks- Chase Budinger, SG, Mavericks
The Mavs are looking for someone whou could help them right away as their core starts to get older. Budinger could help right away on the wing giving the Mavs a nice player off the bench. They could also look at a pint guard to replace Jason Kidd.
23. Sacramento Kings- Omri Casspi, SF, Israel
Taking Casspi after Rubio would make it a European sweep for the Kings. Casspi might saty overseas becoming coming to the Kings but could be a real asset for the Kings. He isn’t the most skilled player but has a lot of toughness which is rare for a European prospect.
24. Portland Trailblazers- Sam Young, SF, Pittsburgh
The Trailblazers don’t have any pressing needs and may look to trade this pick. If they keept the pick they could use another forward on the wing. Young was huge for Pitt last year and didn’t get much credit playing in the shadow of Blair but he is NBA ready.
Collison and Westbrook reuinte in Oklahoma City
25. Oklahoma City Thunder- Darren Collison, PG, UCLA
Taking Collison would reunite the UCLA back court from a year ago in Collison and Russell Westbrook. Westbrook isn’t a natural point guard so the two could play together in the back court like their days at UCLA. Collison isn’t a big scorer but is a great defender and would be an ideal back up point guard for the Thunder.
26. Chicago Bulls- Toney Douglas, G, Florida State
Ben Gordon had a great series against the Celtics in the playoffs and could cash in this off season. If he leaves the underrated Douglas would be a fine replacement. Douglas can play both guard positions and is a good defender.
27. Memphis Grizzlies- Derrick Brown, F, Xavier
The Grizzlies could use a true power forward here but with none available worth the pick they go with Brown. Brown is a combo forward who has great athletic ability. He and Rudy Gay could handle both of the forward sports giving the Grizzlies a nice combo.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves- Nick Calathes, G, Florida
This is the Timberwolves third first round pick so I wouldn’t be surprised if they trade this pick or one of their other picks. I they keep the pick Calathes would be an interesting pick. Calathes signed with a team in Greece but the Wolves would retain his rights and could stash him there for a couple of years before trying to bring over the talented combo guard.
Daye has potential but will take time to develop
29. Los Angeles Lakers- Austin Daye, F, Gonzaga
The Lakers fresh off a title win don’t have many needs so they can take a project here. Daye has all the upside in the world but never really put it together at Gonzaga. In Los Angeles he won’t be forced to play early and can develop. The 6’10 forward profiles similar to a Lamar Odom, who happens to play for the Lakers.
30. Cleveland Cavaliers- DaJuan Summers, F, Georgetown
After being upset in the playoffs by the Magic the Cavs lack of a true big man was exposed. They’re not going to find a big man who can play right away here and will probably trade for one (Shaq?). Their other need is an athletic forward who can guard players like Hedo Tirkoglu and Rashard Lewis. Summers fit’s the bill and can shoot the ball from 3.
